Roads Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza Defends Ghanaian Contractors | Discuss Ghana

In a powerful endorsement of indigenous expertise, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza, has stated that Ghanaian contractors are just as capable as their foreign counterparts when given the right support and supervision.

Speaking on Monday, May 11, 2026, during an intensive nationwide inspection tour of projects under the "Big Push" infrastructure agenda, the Minister challenged the long-held perception that local firms lack the technical discipline to deliver world-class roads.

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High Standards and Strict Supervision

The Minister’s comments come at a time when he has been praised for his "proactive and pragmatic" leadership style, often leaving his office to inspect project sites personally.

Parity in Quality: "Ghanaian contractors are as good as their foreign peers," the Minister asserted. He noted that many local firms are currently progressing ahead of schedule on major arterial roads, proving that timely and high-quality delivery is achievable.

No More "Automatic Extensions": While praising efficient local firms, the Minister issued a stern warning to those who "sleep on the job." He declared that the government will no longer grant automatic time extensions to contractors who abandon sites or work at a "lackadaisical" pace without valid justification.

The "Standard" of Work: As a chartered architect, Hon. Agbodza emphasized that the Ministry will only accept work that meets strict international specifications. He urged local contractors to abide by the terms of their agreements or risk having their contracts terminated.

Spotlight on the "Big Push" Agenda

In the 17 months since President John Mahama took office in January 2025, the Roads Ministry has been at the center of the administration's "Reset" strategy.

Dedesua Green City: The Minister played a key role in last Saturday’s sod-cutting for the 1,000-unit Green City in the Ashanti Region, where local contractors are leading the construction of internal roads and drainage.

Strategic Infrastructure: From the Suame Interchange modifications to regional hospital access roads, the Minister has prioritized projects that directly impact "life and death" situations, as seen in his recent engagement with the Dome Kwabenya MP over the Ga East Hospital road.

Local Content Policy: The Minister’s stance is a significant boost for the Ghanaian construction industry, signaling a shift toward awarding more high-value contracts to local firms rather than relying solely on international giants.